The university of hawaii water resources research center (UH wrrc) will conduct essential technical work as part of the american samoa basin study, a project focused on evaluating long-term water…

The University of Hawaii Water Resources Research Center (UH WRRC) received a $650,185 Cooperative Agreement from the Bureau of Reclamation under the SECURE Water Act – Research Agreements program (CFDA 15.560) to conduct the American Samoa Basin Study. Awarded on May 22, 2025, with completion targeted for June 30, 2028, this project addresses critical long-term water resource challenges on Tutuila, American Samoa, with particular focus on saltwater intrusion threats to groundwater aquifers and future supply-demand imbalances. UH WRRC will develop a calibrated groundwater model that simulates the interaction between fresh and saltwater resources beneath the island's surface, incorporating variables such as rainfall patterns, well pumping rates, drought conditions, and climate-driven changes to project future groundwater impacts.

The primary deliverables include a data-driven groundwater model for Tutuila, scenario-based projections of saltwater intrusion under varying conditions, and a comprehensive technical report documenting methodologies, findings, and management recommendations. To support model development and accuracy, UH WRRC will analyze historical groundwater data, integrate climate projections, and generate monthly recharge estimates. The project team will collaborate with the American Samoa Power Authority and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation's Technical Service Center to ensure integration with climate and hydrologic studies. The completed work will provide local decision-makers with critical information to evaluate management options, strengthen capacity for sustainable water resource management, and enhance long-term resilience of American Samoa's drinking water supply.

The university of hawaii water resources research center (UH wrrc) will conduct essential technical work as part of the american samoa basin study, a project focused on evaluating long-term water resource challenges on tutuila, american samoa. This effort will specifically address the threat of saltwater intrusion into the islands groundwater aquifers and assess future imbalances between water supply and demand. UH wrrc will develop a detailed, data-driven groundwater model that captures how fresh water and saltwater interact beneath the islands surface. The model will simulate how various factorsincluding rainfall patterns, well pumping rates, drought conditions, and climate-driven changesmay impact groundwater resources over time. This modeling effort will provide local decision-makers with critical information to evaluate management options and prepare for future risks to the islands drinking water supply. To support this work, UH wrrc will analyze historical groundwater data, integrate climate projections, and generate monthly recharge estimates to improve the accuracy of the groundwater model. The project team will collaborate closely with the american samoa power authority (aspa) and the U.S. Bureau of reclamations technical service center to ensure that the modeling effort is well integrated with climate and hydrologic studies. UH wrrc will also provide technical expertise, review and validate project results, and assist in communicating findings to stakeholders. The final products of this project will include a calibrated groundwater model for tutuila, projections of saltwater intrusion under different scenarios, and a comprehensive report outlining the methodologies, results, and recommendations. Ultimately, this work will help strengthen local capacity to manage water resources sustainably and enhance the long-term resilience of american samoas water supply.